In case you have been born in November, you will have two November birthstones to select from: topaz and citrine. These two valuable gems have loads of similarities, together with their yellow, orange, and brown shade palettes. Because of this, topaz and citrine have been generally confused and misidentified for hundreds of years, not solely with one another however with a wide range of different gem stones as effectively.
On this article, we’ll let you know every little thing it’s good to learn about topaz and citrine, the November birthstones.
What Are the Birthstones for November?
There are two November birthstones: topaz and citrine.
Topaz is a silicate mineral that sometimes has gold brown, yellow, and orange hues. It might even be colorless or icy blue, pale inexperienced, fiery pink, and even purple, although these colours are nearly all the time achieved with warmth therapy. Pure pink, pink, and golden forms of topaz are the toughest to seek out. This sort of topaz is often referred to as “imperial topaz.”
What makes this November birthstone stand out is the truth that it is available in a few of the largest crystal sizes on the planet. The most important ones are measured in kilos, not carats. Topaz primarily comes from Brazil, the place it’s known as “valuable topaz.” Whereas valuable topaz is the birthstone of November, blue topaz marks the month of December.
Citrine is a sort of quartz whose shade palette varies from pale yellow to brown. It’s much less useful than topaz, and subsequently extra reasonably priced. As a result of most citrines are heat-treated, it’s fairly difficult to seek out pure citrine. This November gemstone has been utilized in jewellery ever since historic occasions, and to this present day, it continues to be the most well-liked yellow gemstone on the planet.
Apart from being the birthstone for the month of November, it’s additionally the gem for the 13th wedding ceremony anniversary.
Myths and Historical past of November Birthstones
Earlier than we focus on the historical past of topaz and citrine, it’s necessary to say that these two gem stones have been thought-about to be the identical till the start of the twentieth century. Earlier than that second arrived, all yellow, orange and brown gem stones have been regarded as topaz. These two November birthstones have been recognized as separate gems within the Nineteen Thirties, because of the event of fashionable gemology.
The phrase “topaz” might come from the Greek phrase topazos, whereas others imagine it originated from the Sanskrit phrase tapas, that means “hearth.” In historic occasions, topaz was believed to have magical properties that might grant its wearer power. All through the Center Ages, topaz was related with lengthy life, magnificence, and intelligence. In accordance with different superstitions, topaz might treatment fevers, lunacy, and blindness. As we speak, individuals affiliate topaz with success, confidence, and ambition.
Individuals known as citrine the “service provider’s stone” or the “cash stone” because it was believed that it might convey prosperity and wellbeing. As a consequence of its pale-yellow shade, the time period “citrine” comes from the French phrase citron, which implies “lemon.” The phrase could be traced again additional to the Latin time period citrina, which implies “yellow.”
In Historic Egypt, citrine was thought to have magic powers, and other people used them as talismans to chase away evil. Not like topaz, citrine was worn as jewellery for 1000’s of years. As we speak, citrine is a logo of vitality, wealth, abundance, pleasure, and good luck.
Mining Areas of Topaz and Citrine
Each November birthstones have been round for 1000’s of years.
There are topaz deposits everywhere in the world. Nonetheless, most topaz comes from Brazil, in the state of Minas Gerais, the place massive deposits have been found midway by way of the 19th century. That can also be the place the world’s largest clear topaz was discovered, weighing an spectacular 596 kilos (271 kilos).
One other well-known residence of the topaz gemstone is Topaz Mountain, situated in the Thomas Vary in Utah. Different mining places of topaz embrace the Chivinar volcano in South America, the Ural and Ilmensky Mountains in Russia, in addition to Pakistan, Norway, Nigeria, Mexico, the US, Australia, Sri Lanka, and extra. Pink topaz, which is the rarest shade, could be present in Northwestern Pakistan.
One of the vital useful sources of citrine is the state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. Pure, unheated citrine may also be discovered within the Anahí mine in Bolivia, which was misplaced for 30 years after which rediscovered within the second half of the 20th century. Curiously, this mysterious mine produces a mixture of citrine and amethyst, which is in any other case identified as ametrine. Different citrine deposits embrace the mines in the Ural Mountains of Russia, in addition to Uruguay, Spain, Mexico, and Madagascar.
Bodily Properties of Topaz and Citrine
As beforehand talked about, topaz and citrine have been labeled as the identical gemstone till lately. That’s as a result of it’s almost not possible to distinguish these two stones, even to educated gemologists. The one issue that units them aside is their hardness.
Topaz is significantly heavier than citrine (roughly 25% per equal quantity) because it’s a nesosilicate mineral. In different phrases, it’s one of many hardest naturally occurring minerals, rating 8 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. Citrine, alternatively, has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. This distinction in weight distinguishes the two November birthstones with equal volumes.
Topaz varieties in magmatic and igneous rocks and may weigh tons of of kilos. It has a pure colorless state, however because of aluminum and fluorine impurities, it’s doable to seek out topaz in yellow, orange, brown, inexperienced, pink, purple, and blue colours. Topaz can also be pleochroic, which implies that it could actually show the so-called rainbow impact. This sort of topaz is additionally known as “mystic topaz.” Topaz can also be notable as a result of it’s slippery to the contact.
Citrine seems in monumental hole crystal-lined amethyst geodes. It primarily shows earth tones, comparable to brown, pale yellow, reddish-orange, and such. These colours happen because of colloidal ferric hydroxide impurities inside the crystalline construction. Curiously sufficient, most “citrine” gems in the marketplace are literally heat-treated amethyst and smoky quartz stones. Discovering pure, untreated citrine could be very difficult in at present’s gem financial system.
November Birthstones in Jewellery
As beforehand talked about, topaz and citrine have been utilized in jewellery for 1000’s of years.
Since topaz shows a wide range of colours, it may be worn with nearly any sort of bijou. Essentially the most sought-after topaz colours are pink and orange, and they’re sometimes mixed with gold. It could be reduce into many styles and sizes. Since topaz normally comes with elongated or columnar shapes, oval, spherical, cushion, triangle, emerald, and pear cuts are immensely common. Topaz is usually used for faceted gems or cabochons.
Topaz can also be generally mixed with diamonds, creating sharp shade distinction. They will even exchange diamonds, as they make a wonderful, budget-friendly different. Followers of blue topaz stones can put on them with silver, platinum, and diamonds. Topaz could be worn as earrings, rings, pendants, necklaces, bracelets, and brooches. They’re fairly favorable as a result of they make elegant gems with a refined luster.
Citrine was closely utilized in jewellery in Historic Greece. It was extremely fashionable within the Nineteen Thirties and Nineteen Forties, worn by well-known Hollywood actresses and different celebrities. Since citrine has a yellow hue most often, gold makes it stand out much more. Similar to all different types of quartz, citrine is on the market in a wide range of styles and sizes. It might be carved, custom-cut, or calibrated. Citrine additionally seems lovely in silver or platinum settings. They make reasonably priced options to diamonds and yellow sapphires.
Worth and Worth of Topaz and Citrine
Topaz and citrine are valued based on various factors and requirements. Citrine is rather more widespread than topaz, which makes it extra fairly priced. In contrast with different valuable gem stones like emeralds, sapphires, and rubies, topaz can also be less expensive. Due to this fact, if you happen to’re planning to purchase topaz and citrine jewellery, you will have all kinds to select from.
When all yellow stones have been regarded as topaz, they was once rather more costly. As we speak, a one-carat topaz stone can price as little as $25. Warmth-treated topaz can price even much less, relying on its high quality. Imperial topaz instructions a better worth, starting from $1,000 to $3,500. It normally is available in stones weighing fewer than 5 carats.
Naturally occurring blue topaz is extraordinarily uncommon, so any blue topaz you discover on sale was most probably heat-treated. Most of these topaz gems are additionally not too pricy.
Citrine is the most well-liked yellow-orange gemstone. Since most citrine gem stones in the marketplace have gone by way of some kind of therapy, they’re broadly out there and extra reasonably priced than different gem stones, even when they’re fairly massive. A citrine stone can price from $10 to $30 per carat. If the citrine has gone by way of any type of therapy, it’s more likely to be on the decrease finish of the pricing scale.
What Are the Most Costly Kinds of Topaz and Citrine?
The rarest and most useful topaz selection is imperial topaz. It usually comes from the Ouro Preto mines of the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. The Ural Mountains in Russia are one other massive imperial topaz deposit. Relying on the dimensions and the high quality of imperial topaz, the value can differ from $1,000 to $3,500.
The explanation imperial topaz is so pricy in comparison with different forms of this stone is that they’re not often handled or enhanced. This gemstone seems in peach, pink, orange, or golden-brown colours. What’s extra, as of lately, imperial topaz grew to become thought-about a uncommon collector’s gem, which implies it’s extraordinarily arduous to come by.
Citrine isn’t an costly gemstone, regardless of what number of carats it weighs. As with all gem stones, the higher the citrine’s high quality, shade, and readability, the extra worth it has. Moreover, the extra saturated the yellow or orange the colour, the larger the value. Smoky citrine gems with seen inclusions are on the decrease finish of the value scale.
Pure citrine is exceedingly uncommon since most citrine stones out there have gone by way of some kind of enhancement. Due to this fact, pure, unheated citrines would positively go for a better worth. Customized-cut citrine stones are additionally more likely to price extra.
Store Our November Birthstone Ring Assortment
Listed here are a few of our November Birthstones from our assortment.
Purchasing Suggestions for the November Topaz Birthstones
When purchasing for a topaz stone, there are a few issues it’s good to take into account:
1. Seek for an Even, Vivid Shade
Since topaz sometimes isn’t high-priced, you could find varied colours, sizes, and cuts. Relating to shade, it’s really helpful you search for a topaz with intense saturation. Most respected are orange, pink, and pink topaz stones. The colour you select ought to rely in your private choice, however be sure you select a topaz with vivid shade.
2. Select a Form That Works for You
You will get actually artistic with the reduce of your topaz. Since they’re mined in such massive sizes, they are often reduce into nearly any form. The most well-liked ones are pear, oval, marquise, cushion, emerald, spherical, and comparable cuts. To maximise the colour capability of the topaz, you need to go along with an emerald reduce.
3. Handled vs. Untreated Topaz
As beforehand talked about, it’s significantly difficult to discover a topaz that wasn’t handled. Remember that pure, untreated topaz is sure to price greater than a handled one.
4. Ask for a Certificates for Imperial Topaz
If you wish to purchase an imperial topaz, you need to ask for a certificates that proves its authenticity. It’s simple to create synthetic gem stones, so a lab-approved certificates is critical.
5. Purchasing Suggestions for the November Citrine Birthstones
To seek out the proper citrine, listed below are a few issues to look out for:
6. Search for Eye-Clear Citrine
Since citrine isn’t costly, be sure you discover the absolute best one. One of many elements it’s good to take into account is the citrine’s readability. Eye-visible inclusions usually are not widespread on this gemstone, so discovering an eye-clear citrine gained’t be robust.
7. Select a Citrine With Intense Saturation
Citrines normally have a pale-yellow shade, whereas extra intensely coloured ones are extra useful. It’s additionally doable to seek out vivid orange, pink, and brown hues.
8. Assume About Carat Weight
If carat weight is necessary to you, citrine is available in a wide range of sizes. You possibly can even discover citrine gem stones weighing 20 carats for a low worth.
November Birthstone Colours
Topaz is available in a wide range of colours, and you’ll be able to even discover colorless topaz. Essentially the most valued topaz stones have a fiery, saturated pink shade. Imperial topaz additionally shows pink, orange, peach, pink, and champagne colours. Generally, an imperial topaz may even have traces of violet hues. To be categorized as imperial topaz, a gemstone has to comprise a reddish pleochroic shade. Irrespective of how intense their shade is, sure imperial topaz gem stones can fade if they’re uncovered to daylight for a lengthy time period.
As soon as topaz goes by way of warmth therapy or another sort of enhancement, they are often gentle inexperienced, wine pink, pale grey, reddish-orange, or peach. Relating to blue topaz, they happen very not often in nature. That’s why handled blue topaz is extraordinarily reasonably priced and usually out there. In case you see a blue topaz with an intense saturation, it’s most probably pretend. Topaz also can have two colours concurrently, wherein case it’s known as a bicolor topaz.
Citrine, alternatively, primarily shows earthy colours. That consists of brownish orange, pale yellow, and reddish-orange. Similar to topaz, pure, untreated citrine is uncommon. Nonetheless, most citrine stones bought commercially are a results of amethyst and smoky quartz therapy.
Cleansing Topaz and Citrine Jewellery
In case you purchase a topaz or a citrine, it’s good to take correct care of them so you’ll be able to put on them for so long as doable.
Despite the fact that topaz is tougher than most gem stones (with a hardness of 8.0 on the Mohs Hardness Scale), it could actually fracture or shatter with sufficient influence drive. What’s extra, topaz could be brittle alongside its crystal lattice traces. Due to this fact, it’s finest to not put on your topaz jewellery if you plan to do some actions that may hurt it.
Whenever you’re not sporting your topaz, you need to retailer it individually in a gentle material or padded container. As talked about earlier than, some kinds of topaz are delicate to daylight, and if they’re uncovered for too lengthy, their shade can fade. So, if doable, keep away from exposing it to the solar, and don’t hold it by the window. To wash your topaz, use lukewarm water and a gentle material. Keep away from any chemical compounds and steer clear of ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
Citrine is softer than topaz, so it’s good to be additional cautious to not injury it. You probably have a heat-treated citrine, be aware that its shade would possibly fade if it’s uncovered to warmth. The identical factor goes for cleansing your citrine jewellery; use heat water, a gentle material, and a gentle detergent. As well as, in case your citrine has a low high quality, solely clear it by hand.
Keep away from stream or boil cleansing strategies, in addition to ultrasonic cleaners. In case you plan to go swimming in a pool, it’s crucial to take away your citrine earlier than doing so.
Two Stunning November Birthstones: Topaz and Citrine
Not like most months of the 12 months, November comes with two birthstones: topaz and citrine. Topaz is a captivating, golden brown and honey yellow gemstone, an wonderful different to diamonds and different gems. Citrine is a extra widespread gemstone that shows yellow, orange, and brown colours, and it’s one other stone that appears lovely mixed with gold and diamonds.
English 